[Bogie_smiles (OP)]

I'm positing here that space is infinite, the universe has always existed, and Earth is in a region of space that represents a huge arena that is currently in the expansion phase of the aftermath of one of a potentially infinite number Big Bangs that have occurred across the universe over the infinity of time; our big bang being perhaps twenty billion years ago.

111761,112158,

[Bogie_smiles (OP)]

The universe remains in place; everyplace for that matter: Happy New Year!

[Bogie_smiles (OP)]

When I think too much about "infinite and eternal", I lose sight of the more important "here and now". Living in the now, as well as planning for the future, seems to be a practical way to approach life.


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112509,

[Bogie_smiles (OP)]

We are seeing more distant objects in better resolution. That knowledge might suggest that as we gain the ability to make sense of more distant places, we are beginning to better understand the universe on a larger and larger scale. I predict a large scale sameness no matter which direction we look. More of the same on the largest scale.


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[Bogie_smiles (OP)]

If "sameness" is what we find as we expand our knowledge of the observable universe, then the "equation" for life is not a one-off situation. Therefore, life on Earth is not unique, but instead, life may well be scattered throughout the infinite expanse. The catch is that there are limiting factors like the speed of light, and the eons it would take life to evolve in a new system to the point of being able to leave an electromagnetic imprint to be discovered by another life form.


For example, suppose there is life form A and life form B, greatly separated in space, and both able to leave an electromagnetic imprint which can reach across distant space. By the time any distant life form discovered their signals, both A and B would probably have died out long before. Still, if some more recent Intelligent life, like us, comes across their ancient signals, it would be the greatest discovery by mankind to date.


It is my belief that out of all the static coming from space, we will pinpoint a signal that has an intelligent origin.


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[Bogie_smiles (OP)]

Those supposed intelligent life forms A and B may not be anything like we might expect. I would say, expect the unexpected. They would have to demonstrate life in some respect, but it may be harder to see the intelligence. Depending on their nature, we may not even want to get to know them, or they us; but knowing of their existence alone would be something special.


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[Bogie_smiles (OP)]

https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/k2/


But lets keep looking for that message in a pin hole in space.

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[Bogie_smiles (OP)]

We haven't found that message yet, but if we adhere to the Sameness Principle (that says on a grand scale there is more of the same), then life exists on planets here and there across the universe.


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[Bogie_smiles (OP)]

We haven't found that message yet, but if we adhere to the Sameness Principle (that says on a grand scale there is more of the same), then life exists on planets here and there across the universe.

That is the suggestion of my premise that the universe is infinite and has always existed. Because it would follow that the universe is constantly changing, over time everything is recycled as a result of natural expansion and contraction. It is a cycle fueled by big bangs and big crunches, interacting here and there, over and over again, continually, as the "infinite perpetual motion universe" marks the passing of time with a nod and a shrug.


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[Bogie_smiles (OP)]

What we have around us, what we find and/or discover anew, has been recycled over and over again by the greater forces that characterize the universe. An eternity is hard to comprehend when thinking of the past, but an eternal past is the common denominator of everything that is at hand today. Let's call that a "given" and go to the next step, which is to characterize that commonality as a model of the future. Everything that will be around throughout the eternal future will share the same eternal past, offset in time depending from when you start looking back.


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[Bogie_smiles (OP)]

Opinion: The eternal past and the eternal future will only continue to reveal a universe that stays within the pattern of a grand scale sameness. On that grand scale the universe hasn't, doesn't, won't all of a sudden change beyond the range already set by the existing eternal natural law governing the infinity of space and the eternity of time.

What is beyond any supposed boundaries is more of the same, simply not yet discovered or explored by us, but likely discovered and explored by other intelligences across an infinite expanse over infinite time, and it all will comply with the established universal-eternal state of things.


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[Bogie_smiles (OP)]

Within that macrocosm there are a potentially infinite number of microcosms that host dominant life forms like us that survive for awhile, and seem to thrive in their heyday. Eventually though, they all have a common fate, and that is oblivion. Their time seems to always play out because it isn't the nature of time to pause for any of them; and it won't for us here on Earth either.


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[Bogie_smiles (OP)]

But though life forms come and go as hospitable conditions on planets change, life itself may have always existed as a feature of the infinite and eternal universe.


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[Bogie_smiles (OP)]

But though life forms come and go as hospitable conditions on planets change, life itself may have always existed as a feature of the infinite and eternal universe.

That leads me to the speculation that the universe is not only infinite and eternal, but has always hosted life as well. If life is "generative and evolvative" (coined words) then life is as natural as the stars and planets that seem to fill endless space.



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[Bogie_smiles (OP)]

On that basis, the high intelligence of humans might also be a natural characteristic of highly evolved life forms across the universe. So we are looking for life out there, and if the life we find is as smart and capable as we are, let's try to make it a respectful and positive encounter. (and let's hide our text messages, lol)


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[Bogie_smiles (OP)]

But there is a respectible chance that if life has always existed in an eternal universe, then human life is not necessarily at the highest level of evolution or intelligence. Are there, or could there be more advanced intelligent civilizations inhabiting planets around distant stars or in other galaxies? I think that is more than likely given an infinite universe and an eternal past, even though I don't know of a shred of physical evidence of distant instances of intelligent life.

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[Bogie_smiles (OP)]

But there is evidence that life adapts to all possible habitats. Bacteria can live in almost any and all places. It will even grow in your belly button, and I'm not sure there is anything you can do about it.


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[Bogie_smiles (OP)]

One thing that sets humans apart is that we think about possibilities, and we have free will. That doesn't mean we can always do what we want, but we have the choice to act the way we want with consideration for the circumstances and outcomes.

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[Bogie_smiles (OP)]

Our ever increasing opportunities to communicate about science and nature, and to make ourselves aware of almost real-time science news and events at home and around the world makes the Information Age and the Internet an amazing and invaluable tool to science enthusiasts. Continually keeping abreast of happenings on science sites like TNS ia a great way of finding current information. Thanks to everyone who keeps the ball rolling.


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[Bogie_smiles (OP)]

Every year National Geographic puts out an almanac. I love them . I recommend them. They can be found at bargain prices and free shipping on the Internet. If I want more info on any of their short topics, I can go to the web for more detail. For example, the 2020 Almanac says on the cover: Trending Topics; Big Ideas in Science; Photos, maps, facts & more; 400 pages on high quality paper stock.


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